Government · Salisbury, MD Metro · August 11, 2026

Church-run homeless shelter in Ocean City clashes with local government

WJLA reports that a homeless shelter operated by a church in Ocean City has put the congregation at odds with local government, though the outlet's report does not yet specify the exact zoning code, ordinance, or permit dispute driving the conflict. What is confirmed is that a church-affiliated shelter is operating in the town and that city officials have taken issue with it in some capacity; not confirmed are the precise legal grounds, whether a cease-and-desist or code violation has been issued, or what accommodation, if any, the church is seeking. Disputes of this kind typically center on zoning classifications for religious use, occupancy limits, or land-use permits, and often intersect with federal protections under the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Churches operating shelters, feeding ministries, or overnight programs in other jurisdictions should treat this as a reminder to confirm their own standing with local zoning and code-enforcement offices before a similar conflict arises. Follow-up reporting from WJLA should clarify the specific ordinance and any city council action.

Source: WJLA